by Marcus Brooks

Created on: April 14, 2011

As a 42 year old judge on American Idol, Jennifer Lopez has become Hollywood's "it" woman once again. 

J-LO THE DANCER 

In 1991, who we know as "J-Lo" was a member of a dance troupe.  The Fly Girls attracted male viewers to FOX's comedy sketch show "In Living Color".  That program launched the careers of box office stars Jim Carrey and the Wayans Brothers (Marlon, Damon and Shawn). 

J-Lo starred in Living Color promos for five years.  She participated in skits with fellow comedians.  During a 30 minute show, her dancing was displayed prior to commercial breaks and as an interlude.  On an average, she appeared three times an episode.  While on the show, she began working to be a hip-hop artist and an entertainment.  She spent countless hours in the studio honing her vocals.  She endured hours upon hours with choreographers to tighten up her dancing and stage presence.  And all that work came to  head in 1996.

J-LO THE MUSICIAN AND ENTERTAINER

J-Lo unleashed her debut album "On the 6".  The title paid hommage to her Brooklyn roots.  She set on the now famous 6 train route as a child and continued doing that on her path to stardom.  On the 6 was a high-energy compilation of hip-hop, Latin house, dance and pop.  It was spearheaded by the thumping "Waiting for Tonight".  Her videos showed off her multitude of dance skills.  In one video, she wore a sequined dress and spun around in a salsa routine.  While switching to hip-hop, she comfortably moved around in baggy pants and designer tennis shoes.  On the 6 also gave birth to plenty of club remixes.  The jam "Play" was conjourned up by remix genius Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.  His version emerged as a favorite in clubs and discotheques.  And, more remixes came later.

Combs lent his genius to J-Lo's second masterpiece "Love Don't Cost a Thing".  That creation ignited mainstream popularity for Murder, Inc rapper, Ja Rule and Terror Squad member, Fat Joe aka Joe Crack.  "Aint It Funny" won awards for Best Rap Video and earned nominations for Best Hip-Hop Duo with J-Lo and Ja Rule.  Her music success soared but it did come with some controversy.

J-LO IN THE GOSSIP PAGES

In 2000, J-Lo and Combs confirmed an intense, sexual relationship.  She showed up at a Red Carpet event wearing the infamous see-thru, low-cut evening dress.  That appearance

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